PRESS STATEMENT
RE: THE OZORO INCIDENT — A CALL FOR JUSTICE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND REFLECTION
I have followed with deep concern the reports and public reactions surrounding the incident that occurred in Ozoro, Isoko North on March 19.
To the women who were chased, grabbed, stripped, and harassed in broad daylight, I say this with clarity and conviction;what happened to you was wrong and completely, unambiguously wrong.
No tradition, no festival, no custom anywhere justifies any man laying his hands on a woman without her consent. Your dignity was violated. The pain of that experience is real, whether or not further harm of rape occurred as speculated on the media. The act itself is an assault on your humanity, and you deserve justice, not explanations.
However, let us be guided by the facts.
It is important that public discourse on this matter is anchored on verified facts rather than speculation. The Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Barr. Anthony Ogbogbo, who has reigned for years, stated categorically that he was neither informed of the festival nor aware of any tradition within his kingdom that sanctions the harassment, molestation, or assault of women. That position from the highest traditional authority in Ozoro must be heard clearly as this was not an expression of Ozoro’s culture. It was a betrayal of it.
Another available clarifications from the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom from the office of the of the President General indicate that the incident occurred within a specific quarter during a traditional festival, and that certain individuals misapplied cultural practices in a manner that is both wrong and condemnable.
Ozoro is not defined by this incident. It remains a respected and strategic community, home to a major institution of higher learning and a centre of social and intellectual life within Isoko. However, precisely because of this, there must be a higher standard of conduct. Public gatherings must be properly guided, coordinated, and secured. Any lapse in this regard carries real consequences, as we have now seen.
I commend His Royal Majesty for his leadership in addressing the situation, the President General of Ozoro community as well as the prompt response of the Local Government Chairman, security agencies, the Delta State Government, the Nigerian Bar Association, and members of the community, including students, who spoke up and acted responsibly.
To the young women affected, and to your families, I extend my sincere concern and solidarity. Your dignity matters. Your safety matters. Your voices must be heard, respected, and protected.
As a people, this moment calls for honest reflection, not defensiveness.
We must protect our culture, but we must also be willing to correct and refine it where necessary. Culture must never stand above human dignity.
Condemnation alone is not enough. There must be accountability. There must be justice and a renewed commitment across our communities to ensure that public spaces remain safe for everyone, especially our women and girls.
Ozoro is better than what happened.
Isoko is better.
Sir (Bldr.) Blessing O. Obomovo
KSC, MSc, FNIOB